Quick Answer
The answer is duplicate records and formatting inconsistencies. When merging data from different sources, these two issues are the most common data quality problems because each source may represent the same real-world entity differently—such as "John Smith" versus "J. Smith"—leading to duplicates, while varying conventions for dates, currencies, or units create formatting inconsistencies that corrupt analysis. On the CompTIA Data+ DA0-001 exam, this question tests your understanding of data acquisition challenges, often appearing as a trap where you must distinguish true data quality issues from unrelated operational concerns like storage costs or network speed. A common mistake is selecting "high storage cost" or "slow network speed," which are performance or infrastructure problems, not data quality issues. Remember the mnemonic "DIF" for Data quality Issues from merging: Duplicates, Inconsistencies, Formatting—these two always travel together.
This DA0-001 practice question tests your understanding of mining and acquiring data. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A data analyst is evaluating data quality issues during acquisition. Which TWO issues are most likely to arise from merging data from different sources? (Select exactly 2)
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
User access permissions
Why wrong: Authorization issue.
Duplicate records
Common when merging overlapping data.
Slow network speed
Why wrong: Performance issue, not data quality.
High storage cost
Why wrong: Not a direct data quality issue.
Formatting inconsistencies
Different sources have varying formats.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Duplicate records
Options B and D are correct because merging data from different sources often results in duplicate records (same entity represented differently) and formatting inconsistencies (date formats, units). Option A is wrong because high storage cost is not a direct data quality issue. Option C is wrong because slow network speed is a performance issue. Option E is wrong because user access permissions are an authorization issue.
Key principle: Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
User access permissions
Why it's wrong here
Authorization issue.
Duplicate records
Why this is correct
Common when merging overlapping data.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
Slow network speed
Why it's wrong here
Performance issue, not data quality.
High storage cost
Why it's wrong here
Not a direct data quality issue.
Formatting inconsistencies
Why this is correct
Different sources have varying formats.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
Common exam traps
Logging in proves the user can authenticate. It does not automatically mean the user is allowed to enter privileged or configuration mode. Watch for AAA authorization, privilege level and command authorization details.
Detailed technical explanation
This kind of question is testing the difference between identity and permission. A user may successfully log in to a router because authentication is working, but still fail to enter configuration mode because authorization is missing, misconfigured or mapped to a lower privilege level.
Key takeaway
Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Real-world example
A junior network technician can log in to a core router but cannot reach the enable prompt or configuration mode. The AAA server is authenticating the login — but the authorisation policy only grants privilege level 1, not 15. Authentication (who you are) is working; authorisation (what you can do) is not.
What to study next
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related DA0-001 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
Mining and Acquiring Data — study guide chapter
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Mining and Acquiring Data practice questions
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FAQ
Mining and Acquiring Data — This question tests Mining and Acquiring Data — Authentication checks who the user is..
The correct answer is: Duplicate records — Options B and D are correct because merging data from different sources often results in duplicate records (same entity represented differently) and formatting inconsistencies (date formats, units). Option A is wrong because high storage cost is not a direct data quality issue. Option C is wrong because slow network speed is a performance issue. Option E is wrong because user access permissions are an authorization issue.
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related DA0-001 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Authentication checks who the user is.
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Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
This DA0-001 practice question is part of Courseiva's free CompTIA certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the DA0-001 exam.
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